Self-Drive Scotland Highlights Tour: Cities, Castles & Countryside - 16 Days

Highlights

• Hit the scenic trail from St Andrews to Kingsbarn along the Fife Coast Walk
• Explore Aberdeenshire's castles and coastal villages with two distinct day trips
• Get up close to the Glenfinnan Viaduct, a railway made famous by Harry Potter
• Climb to the top of a volcanic hike called Arthur's Seat for views of Edinburgh

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Edinburgh, Old Town Walking Tour

Welcome to Scotland! You've landed in Edinburgh, a captivating historic and modern city known for its festivals, thriving arts scene, and friendly locals. On arrival, a private driver will transfer you to your hotel. En route, you might catch a glimpse of Edinburgh Castle, sitting atop an ancient volcanic hill and overlooking the Old and New Town centers. Drop your bags, refresh, and lace up your walking shoes.

This afternoon, you'll soak up the best of the Scottish capital's Old Town with a two-hour history tour that details the most interesting stories. You'll hear about warlocks, witches, local battles and uprisings, public executions, and a few peculiar local traditions still practiced to this day. As you wind across the old cobbled streets, prepare to visit a haunted medieval graveyard, hidden alleyways, wynds, and courts. It will come as no surprise that this city has produced or inspired so many great writers, including Walter Scott, Robert Louis Stevenson, Mary Shelly, and J.K. Rowling!

Day 2: Drive to Stirling, Explore Stirling Castle & the William Wallace Monument

Today, you'll walk through one of the most significant castles in Scottish history. But first, go collect your rental car. Just an hour's drive from Edinburgh, Stirling Castle is where the Great Siege took place in 1304 when Edward I besieged the fortress. He commanded his troops to attack the castle, and after four months of brutality, Stirling was theirs. Wander up to the rocky aerie and explore the Royal Palace, Chapel Royal, and Regimental Museum. Take in the views over Stirling's cobbled main street and countryside.

Afterward, seek out refreshments in town and visit the National Wallace Monument, situated on the Abbey Craig just outside Stirling. This famous landmark commemorates the life of the patriot and martyr Sir William Wallace and overlooks the scene of his greatest victory at the Battle of Stirling Bridge. Read the story of how the battle was fought and won and of his legacy. Then, of course, admire the Stirling Bridge itself, where the 1297 fight took place. Finally, check into your accommodation for the evening.

Day 3: Historian-Guided Tour of Bannockburn Battlefield, Free Time

On the edge of town, make a visit to the Bannockburn Battlefield, where Scottish leader Robert the Bruce defeated the English in a key clash during the Wars of Scottish Independence. Here a local historian will lead you on a guided walk, following the route taken by the Scots to the English camp on the second day of this famous battle. Learn about the tactical decisions made by Scotland's greatest king, who won Scotland its freedom.

This afternoon is yours to explore as you wish. Drive 20 minutes south to visit The Kelpies in Falkirk, a colossal art installation by Andy Scott. According to Scottish folklore, kelpies are horse-like water spirits that are said to have the strength and endurance of 100 horses. The 100-foot-high (30 m) statues are an ode to the horse-powered heritage of central Scotland. Or, join a tasting tour at Deanston Distillery and sip your way through the core range of whisky. You'll experience rare and hard-to-find whiskies, so take a taxi—or ask for "driver drams" to enjoy later.

Day 4: Drive to St Andrews, Fife Coastal Walk to Kingsbarns

After breakfast, make your way 90 minutes east to the coastal town of St Andrews, famous for being the birthplace of golf and home to Scotland's oldest university, founded in 1412. Park the car, lace up your walking shoes, and set off for a half-day hike along a lovely section of the Fife Coast Path. You'll pass unspoiled beaches and rocky shores and venture inland along a river and over farmland on this 8.5-mile (13.5 km) walk, which takes around three or four hours. Note that the section near Buddo Rock is tidal, so plan your walk to avoid high tide.

Finally, you'll reach Kingsbarn. From here, you can take a 25-minute bus back to town, but since there's no rush—and you don't have to drive—why not drop into Kingsbarn Distillery for a tour and whisky tasting? This relatively new distillery produces award-winning single malts using locally grown barley. Eventually, return to St Andrews, where you'll check into your guesthouse for the evening and find a cozy pub for dinner.

Day 5: Drive to Aberdeen via Lindores Abbey Distillery Experience & Arbroath Abbey

Today's final destination is Aberdeen, but you'll be making two special detours on the two-hour journey. First, you'll join a Lindores Abbey Distillery experience and make your own aqua vitae. If you fell ill 500 years ago, you'd seek out the apothecary at the local monastery for a tincture of herbs, spices, or fruit to cure your ailments. Venture back to the ancient art of distillation with this workshop, where you'll produce your own aqua vitae spirit—a once-in-a-lifetime souvenir to take home.

Find somewhere for lunch nearby, then return to the road. Your next destination is Arbroath Abbey, on the coast 17 miles (27 km) northeast of Dundee. Explore the extensive ruins of this beautiful medieval abbey, founded by King William I to honor his childhood friend, the murdered Archbishop Thomas Becket. Continue to Aberdeen, Scotland's third-largest city. This historic port is known as the "Granite City" and is home to two prominent universities, giving it a youthful, vibrant vibe. Check into your accommodation and use the evening to explore its beautiful parks and streets.

Day 6: Full-Day Castles of Aberdeenshire Tour

Can you believe there are 263 castles in Aberdeenshire? You can find them nestled in ancient forests, perched along a fast-flowing river, on high mountain passes, among rolling farmland, and set on cliffs some 50 feet (15 m) above the sea. There are more per acre or hectare than anywhere else in the British Isles, due to the turbulent history of invasions and war, rebellion and uprising, independence and occupation that all played out here. Today, a private guide will whisk you to see the best and most interesting castles scattered across the countryside.

Explore the evidence of Iron Age hillforts, visit medieval fortresses, see inside Scottish baronial castles, admire Jacobean mansions, and gaze at fortifications added in the 18th century. These evocative fortresses have inspired famous storytellers such as Robert Louis Stevenson, Bram Stoker, Walt Disney, and Franco Zeffirelli—and perhaps you'll be inspired to write a story, too, after today. Return to Aberdeen and find a cozy pub for dinner.

Day 7: Full-Day Coastal Villages Tour

Today, on a small-group tour, you'll discover the dramatic northeast coast and its charming seaside villages. You'll visit Aberdeenshire's most beautiful fishing villages, learn about its maritime past, influential characters, and heroes, and marvel at the views along the way. The first stop is Gardenstown and Crovie, two coastal villages built into the red sandstone cliffs. Sometimes, you'll see men preparing lobster pots in the small harbor. Next is Pennan, an 18th-century fishing village that attracts film enthusiasts to its red telephone box, which was featured in the 1980s film "Local Hero."

Day 8: Drive to Aberlour via Cairngorms National Park & Balmoral Castle

Balmoral Castle, nestled within Cairngorms National Park, has been a cherished royal retreat since Queen Victoria's time. Prince Albert bought the property for Queen Victoria, and its granite castle was completed in 1856. So long as the royal family isn't visiting, you can drive into the estate and catch a glimpse of their private world. Wander around the lush, manicured grounds, past pristine lochs, and through the countryside. Nature is at its best here, so bring a picnic to enjoy or enjoy a simple stroll around the iconic residence.

The drive from Aberdeen takes around 75 minutes, and after touring the grounds, you should stop in the quaint village of Ballater for lunch. Use your afternoon to explore more of the wild national park. You could take a short hike, visit the pretty peach Craigievar Castle, or continue to Aberlour, your home for the evening.

Day 9: Whisky Tasting at Glenfarclas, Speyside Cooperage, Drive to Aviemore

It's time to taste one of Scotland's greatest exports: whisky. Drive 5 miles (8 km) down the road to Glenfarclas Distillery, a local favorite that's been in the hands of the Grant family for five generations. Here, you'll join a 90-minute tasting experience where you'll unravel the mysteries of single malt whisky craftsmanship during a tour of the six-still distillery (designated drivers can grab a tasting pack to go). Hear about the family legacy as you relax with a couple of drams in the gorgeous Ship's Room, then choose which bottle is going home with you.

After, if you have time, visit the Speyside Cooperage to experience the ancient art of barrel making. Here, you'll see the highly skilled coopers working at lightning speed, using medieval-looking tools to fix and create the finest casks. Since 1947, this family-owned cooperage has worked with American oak using traditional methods and tools. Later, make your way to Aviemore, a 50-minute drive south. Nestled in Cairngorms National Park, this charming town is a hub for outdoor enthusiasts who flock here for hiking, skiing, and mountain biking.

Day 10: Drive to Inverness via Culloden Battlefield & Clava Cairns

This morning, visit the site of the final Jacobite Rising, the last and one of the most harrowing battles fought on British soil. On April 16, 1746, Jacobite supporters seeking to restore the Stuart monarchy to the British thrones gathered to fight the Duke of Cumberland's government troops. In less than an hour, around 1,300 men were slain—more than 1,250 of them Jacobites. Make the 40-minute drive from Aviemore to the Culloden Battlefield visitor center, where you can explore interactive exhibits and view artifacts from the battle. An eerie silence often falls on Drummossie Moor here.

After, visit the nearby Clava Cairns, one of Scotland's most important prehistoric sites, where the remains of an ancient cemetery sit above the River Nairn. Thought to be around 4,000 years old, this sacred place provides many clues to the beliefs of Bronze Age society. Explore prehistoric burial monuments and the remains of a medieval chapel, then continue to nearby Inverness. Here, you can visit Inverness Castle, catch a show at the Eden Court Theatre, or seek out the elusive monster in nearby Loch Ness.

Day 11: Kiltmaking Exhibition, Visit Cawdor Castle

Today, you'll gain a fascinating insight into the kilt's history, tradition, and culture—from its origins to the present day. Set within a kiltmaking workshop, the Scottish Kiltmaker Visitor Centre in Inverness brings the story of the kilt to life with costume and tartan displays.

From here, set off to explore Cawdor Castle, a 25-minute drive from town. This traditional Scottish castle was built and has been inhabited by the Cawdor family for more than 600 years. The fantastic medieval tower was constructed around a legendary holly tree. You can visit the 14th-century fairy-tale castle and explore the three distinct gardens. End the day back in Inverness with a hearty Scottish meal at a cozy local pub, perhaps topped off with a dram of whisky.

Day 12: Drive to Fort William via Eilean Donan Castle

Today you'll spend three hours behind the wheel, making a major detour to visit the legendary Eilean Donan Castle on the way to Fort William. This 13th-century tower is one of the most iconic images of Scotland. Situated on an island where three great sea lochs meet, while surrounded by picturesque scenery, it's little wonder that the castle is now one of the most visited and important attractions in the Scottish Highlands. Inhabited since the sixth century, the first fortified castle was built here in the mid-13th century and stood guard over the lands of Kintail.

Since then, four versions of Eilean Donan Castle have been built and rebuilt as Scotland's feudal history unfolded through the centuries. After your visit, continue to Scotland's "adventure capital" of Fort William for the evening. Check into your hotel, then find someone by the loch where you can try the local mussels for dinner.

Day 13: Visit the Glenfinnan Viaduct & Monument, Corpach Wreck & Loch Eil

Glenfinnan Viaduct is the longest concrete railway bridge in Scotland at a whopping 1,250 feet (380 m) long. While it was made famous by the "Harry Potter" movies, this iconic bridge was actually completed in 1898 and it crosses the River Finnan at an impressive height. The Jacobite Steam Train runs twice a day, so time your visit right to experience the magic of seeing the locomotive cross the 100-foot-high (30 m) arches. The viaduct is just a 25-minute drive from Fort William.

Day 14: Seal Spotting Loch Linnhe Cruise, Drive to Glasgow

Fort William lies by the head of Loch Linnhe, one of Scotland's longest sea lochs, and this morning you'll set sail with a seal-spotting boat. You'll cruise past the charming village of Corpach, marvel at islands teeming with birdlife, and sail over the entrance to the Caledonian Canal. Admire traditional black houses, peaceful glens, an ancient Caledonian forest, and salmon and mussel farms. Your skipper will provide commentary as you keep your eyes peeled for eagles, otters, porpoises, and—of course—seals. You'll also get close to Black Rock for the chance to see seals and seal pups.

Back on dry land, jump behind the wheel for the 2.5-hour drive to Glasgow. You only have one night in Scotland's largest city, so take a rest then get out on the streets. You could visit a pub to see what the locals like to do and enjoy a hearty Scottish meal or join a folk-music-themed walking tour of the gritty city's oldest and most interesting streets after dark.

Day 15: Drive to Edinburgh, Climb Arthur's Seat

Day 16: Depart Edinburgh

It's time to jump back in the car for one last drive in Scotland—this time to Edinburgh's airport. Arrive with enough time to drop off your rental car ahead of your flight home or next destination. Safe travels!

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